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Winter brings the highest number of home fires, more than at any other time of year. Home fires increase in part due to cooking (36%) and heating (23%). Winter storms can also interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources that contribute to the increased risk of fire during the winter months.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove.
- Space heaters need space; keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from each heater.
- Check electrical cords often and replace cracked or damaged electrical cords. Do not try to repair them.
- Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. They are not designed for this purpose and can be a fire and carbon monoxide hazard.
- Do not put your live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
- Avoid using lighted candles. If you must use candles, place them in sturdy non-combustible candleholders.
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A recreational fire is defined by the International Fire Code as, “an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes”. These outdoor fires commonly known as “wiener roasts” or “campfires” can be kindled without a permit or day or time restrictions.
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Grills, Outdoor Fireplaces and Chimineas |
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These outdoor cooking and recreational devices for burning clean dried wood, charcoal or pellets are allowed in the City of Monmouth without a permit and with no day or time restrictions. Each device should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications for use and clearance from combustibles.
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The minimum fireworks standards for the City of Monmouth are set by Illinois State Statute titled, “The Fireworks Use Act” 425 ILCS 35/1. This act defines fireworks under three categories: Unregulated Novelty Fireworks; Approved Consumer Fireworks; and Professional Grade Fireworks.
Currently, the only fireworks allowed for sale or use in the City of Monmouth are Unregulated Novelty Fireworks. These unregulated novelty fireworks are:
- Snake or glow worm pellets
- Smoke devices
- Trick noisemakers known as “party poppers”, “booby traps”, “snappers”, “trick matches”, “cigarette loads”, and “auto burglar alarms”
- Sparklers
- Toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices in which paper or plastic caps containing twenty-five hundredths grains or less of explosive compound are used, provided they are so constructed that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in place for the explosion
- Toy pistol paper or plastic caps that contain less than twenty-five hundredths grains of explosive mixture
State law does not allow unregulated novelty fireworks to be sold at locations where fuel is dispensed and sold.
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Paid Fire Protection Services Outside the City Limits of Monmouth |
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The Monmouth Fire Department with approval of City Council offers paid fire suppression services to structures within a 2-mile radius of the City of Monmouth. This protection can be purchased by the property owner for $7.00 per $1,000 of current assessed valuation. This cost is in addition to the taxes a property owner pays to the fire protection district they are currently in. This paid protection is supplementary to the services offered by your fire protection district and is for fire suppression only.
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Insurance Services Office Fire Protection Rating for the City of Monmouth (2006) |
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Public Protection Class 5
Total Credit 55.07% out of 100.00%
Receiving and Handling Fire Alarms: 8.00 out of 10.00 credits received
Fire Department: 24.76 out of 50.00 credits received
Credit for Water System: 24.81 out of 40.00 credits received
*Divergence -2.50 credits due to a difference in relative credits for Fire Department and Water Supply
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